Today Show Icon Gene Shalit Turns 100!

Inside His Quiet Life Now

Mar. 27, 2026 at 3:44pm

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Gene Shalit, the iconic movie critic who appeared on the Today show for 41 years from 1969 to 2010, celebrated his 100th birthday on March 25, 2026. The Today show paid tribute to Shalit, with Al Roker describing him as "just a legend" and sharing that Shalit is now enjoying retirement in the Berkshires with his family.

Why it matters

Shalit was a beloved and influential figure on the Today show for over four decades, known for his insightful film reviews and memorable interviews with celebrities like the cast of the first Star Wars movie. His 100th birthday milestone is a testament to his longevity and the lasting impact he had on the show and its viewers.

The details

During the Today show segment honoring Shalit's 100th birthday, Al Roker shared that the journalist from Morristown, New Jersey is now living a quiet life in the Berkshires, where he is celebrating with his six children and five grandchildren. Roker also noted that Shalit is looking forward to watching his beloved New York Mets on opening day.

  • Gene Shalit turned 100 years old on March 25, 2026.
  • Shalit was the Today show's movie critic for 41 years, from 1969 to 2010.

The players

Gene Shalit

A legendary movie critic who appeared on the Today show for 41 years from 1969 to 2010.

Al Roker

A weatherman and co-host on the Today show, who paid tribute to Shalit on his 100th birthday.

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What they’re saying

“Happy 100th birthday to Today show legend Gene Shalit.”

— Al Roker, Today show co-host

“He looks fantastic.”

— Al Roker, Today show co-host

“Gene could pull out from people so much, to the point where Gene actually lost it almost during the Carol Channing [interview].”

— Al Roker, Today show co-host

The takeaway

Gene Shalit's 100th birthday celebration on the Today show is a heartwarming tribute to the legendary film critic's long and influential career, and a reminder of the lasting impact he had on the show and its viewers over the course of four decades.